Work Based Learning

What is Internal Verification? 

• Internal Verification is a system of quality checks made by someone in your centre to ensure that assignments have been written correctly and that assessment decisions are accurate.
• It is a recorded discussion between two or more professionals to ensure accuracy, fairness, consistency and quality of assessment. It does not involve the learner.

Why is it important?

• All BTEC programmes are assessed by centre-devised assignments. With the exception of a few short courses, there are no BTEC exams.
• Assessment decisions are totally in the hands of centre staff.
• Internal Verification checks that the standards set by the awarding body are being maintained.

How does it work?

• All the assignment briefs or assessment tools used in every unit must be checked.
• A sample of assessment decisions made for every unit must be checked.
• A sample of assessment decisions from every assessor should be checked.
• The sample should ensure that: 
• The range of assessment decisions made is covered
• The experience of the assessor is taken into account when setting the sample size
• The sample size is sufficient to assure the accuracy of the assessment decisions for the whole group.
• The process must be planned and documented.

When is it done?

• Every assignment brief must be internally verified before it is given to the learners.
• A sample of assessment decisions should be internally verified before the work is returned to learners.

Who is responsible?

• A good internal verification process will be planned and monitored, usually by a Lead Internal Verifier.
• There is no need for a formal verifier award in order to verify BTEC programmes, so any colleague who has sufficient subject knowledge can internally verify assignments and assessment decisions. 
• Your centre is responsible for ensuring that internal verification and assessment records are kept for three years after certification.

Where can I find out more?

• The BTEC Quality Assurance Handbook provides full guidance on the quality assurance process.
• The Centre Guide to Internal Verification provides more guidance and advice on setting up and maintaining a successful internal verification system.
• We provide online training and standardisation for Lead Internal Verifiers. You can find find out more here.